I want to hold your hand…

I imagine you might already be singing the famous Beatles’ song now (unless you actually thought I wanted to hold your hand, in which case my husband might strongly object). Did you know they wrote this in order to break into the American market? It was released here on December 26, 1963 and sold 10,000 copies per hour in New York City alone. The Beatles then performed it on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964 (I did not get to see this since I was at church, and no that does not make me more religious or righteous than you, but it does make me jealous which I have had to repent for).

Let’s face it, we all want someone to hold our hand – to walk beside us, gently lead us, a touch that says “I’ve got you”. The picture of me with my earthly father is the only visual I have of his holding my hand. I cherish this picture, although I have no memory of the moment. It’s a visual speaking volumes to me about protection, guidance and strength. Isaiah 41: 10 says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What a beautiful picture this is for me as my Heavenly Father says he will hold my hand – that he will strengthen and help me.

I continue reading in the same chapter of Isaiah where he says in verse 13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Wait. What? Being the visual person he created me to be, I admit I had to take a second look at this. How could he uphold me with his right hand and talk hold of my right hand? I’m focused on the picture with my earthly father holding my left hand with his right hand. But my Heavenly Father gives me a new picture. I can clearly see him on my left side with his right arm around me holding me up with his right hand. He takes my right hand in his left hand and not only is he guiding me, but he is holding me up through the rough places in the path ahead of me. Oh what a Father!

So think about this today. The God of the universe, the one who sets the lonely in families, the creator of all things, the giver of life, the Savior of the world, the God of grace and mercy wants to hold your hand…